Annual Conference Commission on Religion and Race

Rationale

Through greater clarity of purpose and ministry, Conference Commissions on Religion and Race can be a vital partner with conference structures and local churches as they seek to move towards greater relevance and vitality in diverse communities and employ cultural competency and equity in process, policy and decision making. 

Action

Amend ¶ 643.1-5 ¶ 643.

1. There shall be in each annual and central conference a Conference Commission on Religion and Race or other structure to provide for these functions and maintain the connectional relationships. It shall follow the general guidelines and structure of the General Commission on Religion and Race as outlined in ¶¶ 2002 and 2008, where applicable.

2. The basic membership of the annual conference commission shall be nominated and elected by established procedure of the respective annual conferences. Each annual conference shall determine the number and composition of the total membership. Care shall be taken to ensure that membership is selected based primarily on the passion and expertise possessed in the areas of training, resource development, evaluation, consultation and strategic planning in the areas of diversity, cultural competency, racial justice, reconciliation and equity, and communicating/advocacy for change. The total membership shall have an equitable balance in the number of laymen, laywomen, and clergypersons. It is strongly urged that the conference commissions be constituted to reflect the widest sense of racial, ethnic, tribal and cultural diversity relevant to that area. Selection of commission members shall ensure adequate representation of women, youth, young adults, older adults, and people with disabilities. Members of the General Commission on Religion and Race residing in the annual conference shall be ex officio members of the Annual Conference Commission on Religion and Race with vote.

3. The Annual Conference Commission will assume responsibility for such matters as:

a) Interpreting the intent of all responsibilities given to Annual Conference and Central Conference Commission on Religion and Race so that the responsibilities reflect the context for ministry and realities of the areas in which they serve.

b) Providing resources and training to enable the work of the local church ministry area of religion and race as specified in ¶ 252.2b, with particular emphasis placed on pastors and congregations involved in cross-racial/cross cultural ministry. In the case of Central Conferences cross cultural ministry may include tribes, ethnic communities and cultural/language groups.

c) Reviewing and making appropriate recommendations for total inclusiveness and equity within the conference staff and on all of the conference boards, agencies, commissions, and committee. Reports will be made yearly to the conference. 

d) Partnering with annual conference boards and agencies as they seek to develop programs and policies of racial equity and inclusiveness.

e) Consulting with the Board of Ordained Ministry and the cabinet to ensure racial inclusion and equity in the recruitment, credentialing and itineracy processes of the conference. The executive committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry and cabinet shall meet at least once per year in joint sessions with the conference commission on religion and race to create and assess long term plans for identifying and developing clergy leadership who will serve the growing demographic diversity in the Church. 

f) Consulting with local churches that are experiencing changing demographics in the neighborhoods where they are located which may be different than the church’s racial/ethnic constituency, and have a desire to be in ministry with the community. 

g) Coordinating conference leadership in and support of racial and social justice movements impacting local communities in consultation and partnership with other entities within and outside of the conference boundaries.

h) Supporting and providing programs of education in areas of cultural competency, racial justice and reconciliation at every level of the conference. 

i) Partner with the appropriate denominational bodies to assist in resolution of complaints of racial discrimination made by clergy or laity.

4. The Annual Conference Commission on Religion and Race shall develop an adequate budget for its operation as a commission to be included within the annual conference budget.

5. The Annual Conference Commission on Religion and Race, or other structure to provide for its function and connectional relationship shall have vote and voice in the decision-making unit of the conference such as the conference connectional ministries, or equivalent structure.